SUMERNET

The Sustainable Mekong Research Network (SUMERNET) is an initiative for research and policy engagement bringing together research partners working on sustainable development in the countries of the Mekong Region: Cambodia, China, Lao PDR, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

In a context of the rapidly changing Mekong Region, there is a need to use scientific evidence in policy-making for sustainable development. Launched in 2005, SUMERNET is a network of organizations in the Mekong Region that supports policy-relevant research and outreach activities to inform and engage policy-makers, planners and stakeholders. Within this context, it pursues an evolving agenda in response to questions and policy issues that arise in the region.

Like the river that binds its six nations, SUMERNET nourishes a growing community of researchers that aim to inform and influence sustainable development in the Mekong Region by:

Supporting credible, collaborative research

Catalysing independent discussionson key regional issues

Engaging with decision-makers

SUMERNET helps to bridge science and policy by supporting policy-relevant research and outreach activities.

We inform and engage policy-makers, planners and stakeholders to catalyze more effective and sustainable policies and programmes.

We do this by exploring research questions of direct relevance to current policy debates, engaging decision-makers in all aspects of our activities, and building capacity for sustainable development through workshops and other activities.